What does your investment fortune cookie say? CD's? Treasury Bonds? Real Estate?
Are you considering investing in real estate? If so, you might want to take a closer look at investing in Tucson real estate – it was recently ranked #4 in an Inman News article about the “10 Best Markets for Real Estate Investors.”
Some of the factors cited in the article include the population growth rate…and the prediction that the forecast shows the Tucson area will grow by nearly 30% over the next 10 years – with a job growth rate to match – noted is the fact that Tucson’s unemployment rate of 7.9% is lower than that of Phoenix. It is also lower than the U.S. rate of 8.6% (Nov 2011). The article shows figures from March 2011, and marked improvement in the jobs sector has occurred since then.
“Big yippee for Tucson,” you might say – “so what does that have to do with the price of property?” Glad you asked! Residential real estate prices have plummeted to 1999-2000 levels. The average SOLD price in October of this year is $151,812 – which is a slight uptick from September 2011. Sources such as CNN Money, ZipSmart, Fiserv Case-Shiller and others have published predictions showing the Tucson real estate market prices starting to increase in 2012 – not a whole lot, but some.
If you factor in the reality that interest rates are at historic lows (which they have been for quite some time…it won’t last forever), add bargain-basement prices – and you’ve got a market ripe for investing. ZipSmart is predicting a 225% ROI (Return on Investment) over the next 10 years for residential properties, but who knows what will happen in 10 years? Could be less, could be more – I don’t know. All that I can tell you is that I see what I see, and my client list has been comprised of primarily first-time homebuyers and folks relocating to Tucson over the past few years. This year, about 30% of my transactions have been with people looking for 2nd homes, multi-family housing and housing for their family members attending University of Arizona. Those already in my 2012 pipeline are looking at buying rental units, custom-home lots and winter homes...quite a “shift” in buyer’s needs!
Should you invest in real estate? I’m no investment counselor – talk to yours first. If you decide that is an avenue you’d like to pursue, then give me a call – we can discuss your strategy & find some good properties for you. After all – Tucson IS ranked #4 in the country – the pundits can’t be that far off of the mark!
One last plug for investing in real estate – There aren’t many other investment vehicles around that you can buy with other people’s money…and have other people make the payments for you! Are you smiling now? I know I am 
Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain – 55 Plus Community
By · CommentsHeritage Highlands at Dove Mountain is one of Tucson’s premiere 55 plus communities inside the planned community of Dove Mountain.
Here you’ll find beautiful homes in a gated community, 30 minutes from downtown Tucson. You’ll enjoy mountain views as well as desert scenery, wildlife and amazing southwest sunsets. This community of approximately 1300 homes is much smaller than most 55+ developments.
There is plenty to do:
Dove Mountain is home to 3 golf courses, including one in the Heritage Highlands community. The Accenture World Golf Match Play tournament is held at Dove Mountain every February on a Jack Nicklaus designed course.
If tennis is more your style, you’ll find plenty of playing partners in the Heritage Highlands Tennis Association with every skill level. If you need to brush up on your game, local pros are available for lessons during the winter months.
If you prefer to stick to a work-out in a fitness facility, Heritage Highlands’ 5500 square foot state of the art fitness center is for you. Work out on your own, join classes, or sit in on discussions on health and well being. You can also enjoy working out in pool individually or in a class.
When you decide it’s time for a break from the golf or tennis, Heritage Highlands has a social calendar filled to the brim with fun activities – arts & crafts, day trips, entertainment events, lectures, music, special events and much more.
The University of Arizona has their Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Heritage Highlands as well. This is a non profit organization, created to give adults 50 years old and older a chance for learning opportunities. It’s all volunteer with chances for great social interaction as well as for satisfying your need for learning new, interesting things. Class schedules, instructors and registration information can be found at the OLLI website.
Homes in Heritage Highlands start in the mid $100′s and reach upwards of the mid $300′s. Lots are large and spacious as well.
University of Arizona’s Downtown Branch
By · CommentsLast Saturday, in the middle of a major monsoon storm, the Tierra Antigua Realty’s Downtown office went across the street to welcome our new neighbors, The University of Arizona! We’ve been watching the rehabilitation for a while and were anxious to see the end result.
Real Estate Is About People
By · CommentsThe fact is plain & simple – real estate is about people. While property is what is bought and sold, the reality is that our business is centered upon fulfilling the needs of our clients – the people whose needs we strive to help fulfill. The real estate industry has undergone monumental changes in the past several years – with the “boom & bust” cycle in property values, different requirements for obtaining financing, new laws aimed at protecting the consumer (whether they actually do so or not), innovations in technology that allow for easier access to important information…things are changing rapidly.
The TucsonKent Group’s mission is two-fold:
- To provide the best, most current information available in order to help our clients to make an informed decision on buying or selling real estate.
- To educate the consumer – utilizing cutting-edge technology to help people understand the process and to communicate as easily as possible.
Whether your interests are in buying or selling real estate as a primary home, second or winter home, investment property, a place to retire or student housing while your college-age family attends the University of Arizona, our team has members with vast experience in working with first-time homebuyers, luxury homes, condos, townhomes, urban lofts, retirees, winter visitors, land for custom homes, ranchettes, haciendas, and much more.
If your interests are commercial in nature, our commercial team has over a decade of experience in helping businesses find the right type of property to help suit their needs now and in the future. Development opportunities are opening up quickly in Tucson real estate. Knowledge of the local market in addition to information about permits, policies and regulations are critical to a successful venture. Our involvement in the community helps keep you abreast of strategic information to assist you to make an intelligent decision.
Please feel free to explore our website – it is constantly growing and evolving, so come back often. You will never have to register or sign in to utilize its features. Should you wish to contact us, please do.
Thank you for visiting,
Kent Simpson
Founder – TucsonKent Group
Tierra Antigua Realty – Downtown
520.302.5368